The HR Certification Institute offers professionals in the field two essential certifications: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Both represent commitment to keeping up-to-date with the latest HR trends and efficient solutions to the breadth of HR related issues. While not required everywhere, PHR and SPHR are highly respected within the HR community and some companies make it a point to only hire professionals with these qualifications.

Before opting to become a PHR or SPHR, it is key to analyze your grasp of the HR field in all its complexity and where you stand. This enables you to assess which designation is best for you.

For instance someone suited to the PHR has the following characteristics: tactical/logistical orientation; emphasis on program implementation; answerability to someone else in HR; only two to four years of general HR exposure and experience; reach is focused on the HR department rather than organization-wide; respectability through know-how and decision-making potential.

On the other hand, someone suited to the SPHR has the following traits: all-encompassing perspective; plans and designs; high up in the HR department with six to eight years of experience; mastery of general HR know-how; passes capable judgment based on exposure; grasps the internal and external impact of decisions; comprehends business at large; negotiating abilities, influence and great credibility.